Suitcase Heart: Nashville

Hello Nashville… Apparently I love Nashville (you can read about it here, here and here).

There is something about traveling that ignites the senses. Maybe the wonder unfolds because you aren’t in the groove of obligations and endless to-do lists. I love the discovery: meeting new people, trying new flavors, seeing life from a new view.

Is the season of summer helping you get in touch with your inner suitcase heart? I am a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants traveler; traveling light on reservations and scheduled activities.

Have I mentioned before that I love Franklin, TN (17.2 miles from Nashville)? Friendly locals, clever shops, an amazing historic main street. Take a peak…

William Powell Co. Home & Garden, Franklin.

Frozen Yogurt

With no hotel reservations we wandered Franklin and found a delightful hotel. Which then led to a morning run here….

A breakfast conversation with our table neighbors at the Loveless Cafe inspired us to explore Cheekwood art and gardens in Nashville. A special installation: LIGHT: by Bruce Munro recently opened. The special exhibit is on display through November 10, 2013 and it shines every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night until 11 p.m.

We arrived at Cheekwood (botanical gardens and mansion converted to art museum) before dusk. Live music was spread throughout the grounds along with various food and beverage stations (lovely wine!).

An amazing array of magnolia trees thrive on the Cheekwood estate.

There are ten different exhibits – my favorite was the “Field of Light” comprised of 20,000 glass spheres attached to thin stems arranged across the expanse of the Cheekwood mansion’s front lawn. It was mesmerizing to take it all in – especially as the lights slowly transition to various colors. If you are anywhere near Nashville this summer I highly recommend the Bruce Munro exhibit.

The courtyard exhibit.

Oh and of course Nashville = music. We attended a music festival. Best. Day. Ever. (Well, this year for sure). There is something magical about the shared experience of live music. We had a front row view of Drew Holcomb harmonizing with his lovely wife Ellie Holcomb (she will release a solo cd this fall).